Cage Side Convos

Coach Tran is the owner and operator of Trans Martial Arts in Longmont, CO. He is a lifelong martial artist, with experience in many disciplines, including Tae Kwon Do, Enshin Karate, Muay Thai, and Krav Maga. Coach Tran shares with us his passionate insights into developing strong leadership and culture in the dojo, as well as the importance of finding your “ikigai”, or sense of purpose, and how that can lead to an amazingly fulfilling life. Coach Tran shares with us why he chose the mission statement for his school “Grow, Serve, Love” and how he found his personal mantra of “Stay Humble, Stay Hungry”. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 50 we are joined once again by our friend Bobby King. Bobby is a professional MMA fighter and the head instructor and owner of KOA kingdom in Kayesville, Utah. Most recently off his win in his debut for Bellator, Bobby chats with us about resiliency, staying focused during fight camp, and building a community of personal growth through martial arts among so many other things. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 49 we examine evolution literally and metaphorically, both on the macro and micro level. We look at how we as a society have the opportunity to evolve and become better as a whole in the wake of the pandemic. We discuss personal evolution of our philosophies and how we find things to incorporate into our daily lives that can coax positive adaptations from our bodies, minds, and spirits through use of intentional stressors. We wrap up with a look at how lack of stress or over indulgence of comfort can lead to negative adaptations --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Bobby King is a professional mixed martial artist, coach, and owner of KOA Kingdom in Layton, Utah. In Episode 45 Bobby shares with us his childhood and what brought him to martial arts in the first place. He details his journey from fighting to becoming an actual martial artist, how he came to find deeper meaning and purpose in the martial arts community, and very specifically what the Bang Muay Thai system and studying under Sensei Duane Ludwig has brought to his life. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 48 we dive deep into depression, anxiety, anger, all the darker sides of life. We dissect our coping mechanisms, talk the exploration of past traumas. We break down some actionable ways we can approach friends and family when we think they may be suffering in silence. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's important to take care of our minds and bodies, to watch what we eat, how we speak, our daily actions. But what role does vice play in being an overall virtuous person, and is it actually necessary? In Episode 47 we look at what we can learn about ourselves through our vices and how we can actually practice self discipline with the occasional indulgence of vice. We also delineate between vice and addiction and discuss actionable ways we can prevent the former from becoming the latter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Language has evolved as the means to communicate ideas simply and effectively. But it can also be used to establish power, culture, personal history and identity, and so much more. In Episode 46 we examine the significant power that language holds, diving down the rabbit hole of everything language can be literally and figuratively. As always, we throw in some actionable steps we can follow to utilize our language to enhance our daily lives and sense of purpose. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In what ironically became one of our longer episodes, Episode 44 focuses on the importance of silence. Not only in taking quiet time for ourselves, but understanding that silence in a relationship isn't always a negative thing. We also break down some actionable steps that we can use to make the most of our quiet time, and how we can quiet the noise in our minds to find some tranquility in our daily lives. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Curtis Mosely served in the US Army for over twenty years, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Flavio Behring, owner of Behring Jiu Jitsu in Watertown, NY, and an all around tremendous human being. In Episode 43 we sit down and chat with Curtis as he shares with us his experiences in life, how the army and jiu jitsu have helped him find community oriented purpose in life, and how he deals with the highs and lows of life. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Plateaus are hard to deal with and oftentimes lead to us shifting focus or outright quitting the pursuit of our goals. In Episode 42 we discuss different things to look for to reassure ourselves we are actually progressing even if it doesn't seem like it at the time. We also break down some actionable steps to get us through this stagnant seasons. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Duane "Bang" Ludwig is considered by many to be one of the top mma coaches in the game. Not to mention his storied career as a professional kickboxer and MMA fighter. Sam Coutts is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and head instructor of the BJJ program at Ludwig Martial Arts, and a brown belt under Sensei Ludwig in the Bang Muay Thai system. In Episode 40, Rick sits down with Duane and Sam at Ludwig Martial Arts to talk philosophy of fighting and life, and how the two often overlap. The trio also discuss the recent release of "The Tao of MMA", a comprehensive look at the most effective techniques used in the modern mma scene. Get more info on The Tao of MMA here: https://www.taoofmma.com/ Get more info on the BANG Muay Thai system here: http://bangmuaythaikickboxing.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Being ourselves can be scary sometimes, especially if we don't know who "we" are. In Episode 39 we look at a few ways we can discover our most authentic self, even if that means temporarily imitating someone else. We discuss the growth that can be gained through embracing the vulnerability of being authentic, and how our genuine self can (and should) change over time. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's important to develop a resilient mindset if we're going to get through life in a purposeful way. But at what point do we cross the line into just being stubborn? In Episode 38 we define each term and breakdown some of the subtleties of each that can help us decide when we need to change our course and when we are applying a productive amount of force to the situation. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 37 we break down what it means to be strong. We dive into ways of building our strengths, weaknesses, and the importance of balancing out the focus between the two. We also discuss how to acknowledge our strengths without being cocky and how to ask for help with our weaknesses. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Emotions can be very intense, but are always fleeting. In Episode 36 we take a deep dive into what it takes to stay disciplined in the presence of intense emotions. We break down the woes from succumbing easily to every emotion we experience and the benefits that accompany learning to let them pass before we act. We break down some actionable steps we can take to ensure we are getting better at dealing with our emotions while still honoring and feeling them.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Sabra Young is a Watertown, NY based personal trainer and physique competitor. Her online women's only personal training service "She Lifts Fitness" is focused on helping women reach their health and wellness goals.  In Episode 35 Sabra shares with us why she started training, how she fell in love with the process, how she balances her personal and professional goals with raising a family, and how she has found purpose by helping other women do the same. Find out more info about Sabra and She Lifts Fitness on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sheliftsfit --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 34 we are joined again by our friend Fyne Print as we look at the differences between planning and worrying. It's important to play out possible outcomes as we plan for our future, but over fixation on the negatives can often prevent us from even trying. We share our personal strategies for preventing the latter while staying goal oriented and focused on the former.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's Pandemic time and the world is effectively shutting down. Things are very uncertain and a little scary, and in Episode 34 we talk some ways to stay calm and focused on self betterment, understanding that whatever happens outside of us, whatever is out of our control, is less important than our dedication to being a good and virtuous person. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It takes countless repetitions to master any particular skillset and boredom becomes an inevitable consequence of that journey. In Episode 32 we discuss ways to develop a disciplined mindset in order to beat the boredom and ultimately remain passionate about our endeavors. We can also use boredom as a sign of growth instead of stagnation. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Everyone wants to say "pursue your passion", but for a lot of us we don't even know what that is. In Episode 31 we talk about how we can find our passion by fully immersing ourselves in every undertaking at hand. The journey to becoming the best version of ourselves by focusing on simple daily tasks can help us "stumble upon" our passion, or, if we already know where our passion lies, these same steps will help us transform that passion into a deep and purposeful life. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

When Cage Side Convos started we agreed to do at least 60 episodes. Episode 30 marks the halfway point, and we look back over the course of the last year and talk about what we've learned so far along the way. We revisit the first episodes and look at how much has changed, what's stayed the same, and how we've evolved the basic ideas through our weekly conversations. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

From an evolution stand point, comfort zones are needed to keep us alive. But as we evolve as a species and live in an increasingly safer environment these natural protective instincts begin to inhibit our growth. In Episode 29 we examine some ways of recognizing and breaking our instincts to stay safe, ways we can actually use a safe environment to challenge our comfort, and the amazing growth potential that goes along with breaking our circle. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

How much of what we expect from others is a fair assessment of their character and abilities, and how much is us projecting our desires unfairly? In Episode 28 we break down different ways to assess and manage our expectations of others, ourselves, and life in general. We look into the causes of disappointment and how to make adjustments when things don't go as planned. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 27 we talk about how to cultivate a nurturing environment, recognizing when you're in an environment that is no longer suited to your growth, and how we can adapt to whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. We discuss not only our social environment but how we can make physical changes to embrace our physical surroundings, especially living in harsher places such as Northern NY. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

"You're not special" has become a personal mantra for Rick. In Episode 26 we dive into the actually meaning, which is far deeper than the initial knee jerk instinct to take exception to the phrase. We can use this to motivate ourselves in training, but also use this mindset to reconnect ourselves to those around us. When we feel like we are suffering uniquely, or "no one understands us", it's a powerful reset to be able to say "I'm not special" and remember that we're not the first ones to experience life the way we are. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 25 we free flow with the conversation a bit, touching on what it means to be in a "flow state". We share our experiences on when we first experienced flow state in our lives and what we do to try and find that state in daily life. We end with some actionable steps on how we can refocus when we feel we are getting distracted. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Calvin "Fyne Print" Williams is a hip hop artist based in Watertown, NY. In Episode 24 Fyne P shares with us his passion for hip hop and how that has shaped his path in life. He walks us through how his experiences growing as an artist have influenced who he is and wants to be as a person, and how he has managed to find purpose in everyday life. He also shares with us how he developed his amazing affinity for memorizing his verses almost immediately, and hasn't written down a single song in almost ten years! Check out more from Fyne Print on his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FP1Hunid --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Failure is not the act of losing, but the act of quitting. In Episode 23 we discuss how to endure perceived failure without derailing from the track to our ultimate life goals. We examine how not only the fear of failure but, almost ironically, the fear of success can hold us back from becoming the best version of ourselves. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's the New Year, and what better way to celebrate than having a discussion focused on discipline. In Episode 22 we break down what it means to be disciplined, what it takes to develop a disciplined life, and the freedom that comes through discipline. we talk actionable steps that can be taken every day to turn our thoughts into habits and habits into lifestyle. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 21 we explore different ways to work through the hardships that inevitably arise in our nuclear family, strengthening and building an "extended" family, and why it's so important to have people in our lives we consider family. We also discuss how efforts to build a community can define and strengthen our sense of purpose in life. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We always want to improve ourselves, but as we gain proficiency with a skill set it starts getting difficult to tell if we're actually improving or not. In Episode 20 we explore different ways we can seek out improvements when we feel as though we've stagnated. We discuss the 80% Proficiency Model and the "Drops in the Bucket" concept. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Derek Shoemaker is a Watertown, NY author and paranormal investigator. In Episode 19 Derek shares with us his 8 year endeavor behind writing his most recent book and how the pursuit of this goal has helped him shape his personal philosophy on life and become the person he is today. He also shares with us some fascinating insight into the world of paranormal investigation. https://www.amazon.com/Search-Truth-World-Deception/dp/1546331611 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVnv6sIWWamjh87tx1c4_Iw --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 18 we look at the inherent imbalances in every relationship, why it's important to spend time with people that are willing to give as much as they take, and how to tell when you're in a one sided energy exchange. We examine some of the possible reasons that drive people to become "energy vampires" and how we can prevent ourselves from becoming a drain. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

"Flow state", "being present", "living in the moment". These are all catch phrases that you hear time and time again from artists, meditation enthusiasts, performers, athletes, and so on. But what exactly does that mean, and how do we obtain it? In Episode 17 we discuss different practices that we've found that help us more deeply connect to the moment and various times we've been able to find our own "flow state" and become completely engrossed in the moment at hand. We also touch on the profound impact these moments can have on our mental health and overall quality of life. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Developing a grateful mind and a grateful heart is one of the most productive things one can do on the path to self betterment. In Episode 16 we discuss different techniques we use to help push ourselves towards finding something to be grateful for in every situation, especially ones that are particularly painful. Ending, as always, with actionable steps we can take to practice gratitude every day --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Everyone always talks about how important "self care" is for our mental health, but we almost all struggle with drawing the line between self care and selfishness. In Episode 15 we explore the differences between the two and how we may have to occasionally embrace being selfish for a little while in order to become a better version of ourselves. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

"Patience is a virtue". But what does that mean? In Episode 14 we define what patience means to us and different ways we can put it into practice. Dealing with anger, anxiety, boredom, etc, the practice of patience will almost always help us deal with our emotional responses to almost any situation. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 13 we break down the importance of community. What it means to us, how to find it, and, maybe most importantly, how to build it. We discuss what it means to lead from the front and how to find like minded people to help facilitate growth of a purposeful community. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Danny Allen is the head sound engineer at War Drum Mixing in Watertown, NY. War Drum is focused on providing local musicians with affordable, high end recording to help facilitate their growth as artists. Danny shares with us his trials and tribulations that led him to his dream job, what it takes to stay on track balancing daily life and pursuing his passion, and details both his artistic and philosophical process. https://www.wardrummixing.com/watertown-scheduler --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this two part Episode we do a deeper dive into the old world philosophy of Stoicism. Where it started, where it "ended", the principles that have transcended time. We break down how Stoicism fits into our own personal philosophies, or more aptly, how what we "discovered" was already written thousands of years ago. There is nothing new under the sun, we are just in a constant of loop of rediscovering ourselves as humans. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Jason Price is a local business manager in Watertown, NY. In Episode 9 we sit down with Jason and he shares with us what it takes to be successful in his line of work, and how the lessons he's learned in the weight room translate to his daily life, and vice versa. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Conflict surrounds us and plagues us in our daily lives, but only so much as we let it. In Episode 8 we breakdown how conflict is unavoidable and how we can benefit from embracing it. From strengthening personal relationships to helping build community, weathering conflict in a productive and purposeful manner can greatly enhance our lives. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 7 we focus primarily on the martial arts aspect as Rick shares his journey to getting his purple belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. The ups and downs of training almost perfectly parallel those of life and we examine how what we learn on the mats can be applied to everyday living. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 6 we define success and explore how everyone's definition will be different, but the steps taken aren't necessarily. We discuss set backs that are commonly encountered and different ways of viewing life so that we can find success even through our "failures". --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 5 we sit down with Michael Sixel, professional mma fighter and owner of Neutral Ground in Stevens Point, WI. Mike shares with us how his career in the military and life in mixed martial arts has helped him develop into a community oriented person. He walks us through the highs and lows that have helped him develop the resolve needed to open and run his own school and build his own action based philosophy on life. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 4 we break down what "art" means to us, how we can find healing and purpose through artistic expression, and ways that we try and view the world to find art in everything. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 3 we discuss the importance of setting goals, how to use short term goals to mark progress towards long term goals, the difference between tangible and intangible goals, and how we can find a love for The Process. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 2 we do a deep dive into Day One, Rick's "personal philosophy". From the depths of alcoholism and depression to martial arts, community connection, and rediscovering purpose, and so much more! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode one we meet our hosts, Mykel Quince Myrick and Rick Huntsman. Quince is the creator of Holdown Upstate, a group in Northern New York centered around hip hop and uniting the local community. We talk at length in this first episode about how the group came to be formed and what the future holds. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app